I need a hardside suitcase with super-durable wheels.

October 7, 2019 6:16 AM

I'm looking for a hardside suitcase that my cat won't make into secret bed in the back of the closet (the fate of my current suitcase), and that has wheels that could go through the apocalypse. I live near cobblestone streets, go on the subway, etc. Should be smallish.
posted by backwards compatible to Shopping (9 answers total)

I've really loved my Away suitcases (I have the Carry On and the Bigger Carry On). It's taken some bumps well and the wheels are really solid. Also, they sponsor a variety of podcasts so there is almost always a code for some $$ off.
posted by machine at 6:24 AM on October 7, 2019 [4 favorites]

Pelican makes this carryon-sized hardshell case, which is at the north end of the rugged-traveller spectrum of options.
posted by mhoye at 6:31 AM on October 7, 2019

I have the Away suitcase and have really enjoyed how great the wheels are at navigating city streets, subways, trains, airports, etc.

I have only had it a few months, but it has made a huge difference and I notice that it is much easier to commute to the airport via the subway, etc. now.
posted by something_witty at 6:58 AM on October 7, 2019

Thirding the Away suitcases. I just bought the Carry-On for a trip from New York to Florida. Wheels worked beautifully, the hard shell is of no interest to my cat, and it comes with a cloth bag to store it in for between trips closet storage.

I bought the one with a charger and it definitely came in handy.
posted by Julnyes at 7:59 AM on October 7, 2019

Just FYI, avoid ones with built-in batteries. During my recent trips, it seems airlines are putting restrictions on these types of luggage.
posted by WizKid at 9:03 AM on October 7, 2019

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! I've never heard of Away or Pelican, so I was right to ask!
posted by backwards compatible at 9:30 AM on October 7, 2019

The battery in the Away suitcase is fully removable, also didn't cause any issues as a carry-on. YMMV.
posted by Julnyes at 10:15 AM on October 7, 2019

I don't own one of the Pelican suitcases, but they have some very mixed reviews. One specifically mentions that the wheel clearance is very low and the suitcase gets very scratched because of this. I don't think it would work well on cobblestone.

I would not buy a spinner-wheel bag, since spinners are usually small, hard wheels that sound like nightmare on cobblestone. Unfortunately, I think the two-wheel style suitcase is typically in a soft-sided configuration and it might be very hard to find a hard sided case with rugged, rubber/polyurethane wheels.

Sorry I don't have any specific recommendations.
posted by Quiscale at 8:02 AM on October 8, 2019

Apologies, I forgot to link the Amazon reviews of those Pelican bags:
22 inch
30 inch

The 30 inch is bigger than you are asking for, but I think the info in the negative reviews is relevant.
posted by Quiscale at 8:07 AM on October 8, 2019